Revelation promises to bless and strengthen Christians who are weary from living in a broken sinful world, struggling to stay faithful to Jesus despite the seductions of the world, and fearful of what is happening in their world and could happen to them. In chapters 21-22, we see the climactic vision of the book, and it shows us that God is so good and glorious that the promise of his presence strengthens us to remain faithful to Jesus no matter what we face. 

As the chapter unfolds, God restores the creation, bringing a New Heaven and New Earth. In this new, purified creation all the enemies of God and his people have been dealt with (21:8). There is no sickness, sorrow, pain, or death (20:14-15). There is no night there, and the gates of the heavenly city never need to be shut (21:25) -- we will dwell safe and secure. Those who trust in Christ’s death and resurrection are written in the Lamb’s book of life, and will be purified (21:27). Best of all, God will be there.

All the good and glorious elements of the New Creation are found in the presence of God. His Light drives out the night. His Life eradicates death. What makes heaven heavenly is that God is there. God will dwell with his people (21:3). God and the Lamb are the Temple (21:22). God and the Lamb have their throne there (22:1). God’s people will see his face (22:4).

Whether hurting, dying, anxious, struggling or anything else, God is so good and glorious that this promise of his presence can strengthen us.

If you really thought of God this way, how would it change how you live? How will you cultivate a good and glorious vision of God in your heart this week?